People across the United States are trying to get their hands on the latest video games. Playstation and Xbox released their latest consoles, and they have been selling out in minutes, leaving people to buy them for marked-up prices on sites such as eBay and StockX. While the Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X are a rare hot commodity, the Nintendo Switch has reported record sales. More Americans are gaming, but can it become too much of a distraction? Christian Watson and James Czerniawski joined Millennial Minute to discuss.
An immersive world
Watson argues that specific games such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Assassin’s Creed “feature extensive killing and destruction and draw the player into an unrealistic fantasy world.” As a former gamer who has played Grand Theft Auto, CSGO and Call of Duty, he feels these types of games can be too violent and immersive. As a teen, Watson was immersed in playing these games and says it took him entirely away from the reality of his life. He fears that gaming can be too distracting for the average gamer with responsibilities at home.
While these games depict violence, there are also objectives and puzzles that gamers need to complete. Czerniawski says games such as Assassin’s Creed rely heavily on strategy and even teach “tidbits of history along the way.” Czerniawski argues that these games are being made only because it’s what the people want. Grand Theft Auto games have been made since the late ’90s. Grand Theft Auto V, the latest game in the series, was released in 2013 and it is now one of the best-selling games of all time.
Everything in moderation
While professional gamers are bringing in the money, the casual gamers are being preoccupied with something that’s not bringing them cash. Watson suggests that hobbyists should limit their gaming time to one or two hours a day. Czerniawski sees that as a fair point. Studies say adult gamers in the U.S spend less than seven hours a week on gaming. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.
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